Tropical Cyclones

Hurricane Earl, September 1, 2010/NOAA

A PREPAREDNESS GUIDE
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Weather Service

Revised March 2011

What is a Tropical Cyclone?
Tropical cyclones are among nature’s most powerful
and destructive phenomena. If you live in an area prone
to tropical cyclones, you need to be prepared. Even
areas well away from the coastline can be threatened
by destructive winds, tornadoes and flooding from these
storms. How great is the danger? For 1970-2010, the
average numbers per year were as follows:
„„Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean or Gulf of Mexico:
11 tropical storms, 6 of which became hurricanes
„„East Pacific Ocean: 15 tropical storms, 8 of which
became hurricanes
„„Central Pacific Ocean: 4 tropical storms, 2 of
which became hurricanes
Over a typical 2-year period, the U.S. coastline is struck
by an average of 3 hurricanes, 1 of which is classified as
a major hurricane.
While hurricanes pose the greatest threat to life and
property, tropical storms and depressions also can
be devastating. Floods from heavy rains and severe
weather, such as tornadoes, can cause extensive
damage and loss of life. For example, Tropical Storm
Allison produced over 40 inches of rain in the Houston
area in 2001, causing about $5 billion in damage and
taking the lives of 41 people.
Tropical cyclones forming between 5 and 30 degrees
North latitude typically move toward the west.
Sometimes the winds in the middle and upper levels
of the atmosphere change and steer the cyclone
toward the north and northwest. When tropical
Tropical cyclone formation regions with mean tracks/NWS JetStream Online School
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Understanding the Terminology
A tropical cyclone is a rotating, organized system
of clouds and thunderstorms that originates over
tropical or subtropical waters and has a closed
low-level circulation. Tropical cyclones rotate
counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere.
They are classified as follows:
„„Tropical Depression—A tropical cyclone with
maximum sustained winds of 38 mph (33 knots)
or less.
„„Tropical Storm— A tropical cyclone with
maximum sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph
(34 to 63 knots).
„„Hurricane—A tropical cyclone with maximum
sustained winds of 74 mph (64 knots) or higher.
In the western North Pacific, hurricanes are
called typhoons; similar storms in the Indian
Ocean and South Pacific Ocean are
called cyclones.
„„Major Hurricane—A tropical cyclone with
maximum sustained winds of 111 mph (96 knots)
or higher, corresponding to a Category 3, 4 or 5
on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
cyclones reach latitudes near 30 degrees North, they
often move northeast.
Hurricane seasons and their peaks are as follows:
„„ Atlantic and Caribbean:
June 1 to November 30
with peak season mid-
August to late October.
„„ Central Pacific (Hawaii):
June 1 to November 30
with peak season from
July to September.
„„ East Pacific: May 15 to
November 30
„„ Western North Pacific:
Tropical cyclones can
strike year round
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 rating based on a hurricane’s sustained wind speed.
This scale estimates potential property damage. Hurricanes reaching Category 3 and higher are considered
major hurricanes because of their potential for significant loss of life and damage. Category 1 and 2 storms
are still dangerous, however, and require preventative measures. In the western North Pacific, the term “super
typhoon” is used for tropical cyclones with sustained winds exceeding 150 mph.

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale for the Continental United States

Scale Sustained Types of Hurricanes
Number Winds Damage Due to
(Category) (MPH) Hurricane Winds
1 74-95 Very dangerous winds will produce some damage: Well-constructed Dolly (2008)
frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and on South Padre
gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may Island, Texas
be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in
power outages that could last a few to several days.
2 96-110 Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage: Frances (2004)
Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding in coastal Port
damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and St. Lucie, Florida
block numerous roads. Near-total power loss is expected with outages
that could last from several days to weeks.
3 111-130 Devastating damage will occur: Well-built framed homes may incur Ivan (2004)
major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will in coastal Gulf
be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water Shores, Alabama
will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes.
4 131-155 Catastrophic damage will occur: Well-built framed homes can sustain Charley (2004)
severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some in coastal Punta
exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles Gorda, Florida
downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas.
Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be
uninhabitable for weeks or months.
5 >155 Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage of framed homes Andrew (1992)
will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees in coastal parts
and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last of Cutler Ridge,
for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for Florida
weeks or months.

For more information on the Saffir-Simpson

Hurricane Wind Scale, go to:
www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutsshs.shtml

For more information on the Saffir-Simpson

Hurricane Wind Scale as it affects Hawaii, go to:
www.prh.noaa.gov/cphc/pages/aboutsshs.php

Wind damage from Hurricane Charley, August 2004,

Orlando, FL/Orlando Sentinel, copyright 2004
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Hurricane Hazards
Storm Surge/Tide
Storm surge and large waves produced by hurricanes pose
the greatest threat to life and property along the coast.

STORM SURGE is an abnormal rise of water generated by

a storm’s winds. Storm surge can reach heights well over
20 feet and can span hundreds of miles of coastline. In the
northern hemisphere, the highest surge values typically
occur in the right front quadrant of a hurricane coincident
with onshore flow; in the southern hemisphere, the left front
quadrant. More intense and larger hurricanes produce higher
surge. In addition, shallower offshore waters contribute to
higher storm surge inundation. Storm surge is by far the
greatest threat to life and property along the immediate coast.

STORM TIDE is the water level rise during a storm due to

the combination of storm surge and the astronomical tide.
For example, if a hurricane moves ashore at a high tide of 2
feet, a 15 foot surge would be added to the high tide, creating
a storm tide of 17 feet. The combination of high winds
and storm tide topped with battering waves can be deadly
and cause tremendous property damage along an area of
Before and after Hurricane Ike on the Bolivar
coastline hundreds of miles wide.
Peninsula, TX, September 2008/USGS

The destructive power of storm

surge and large battering waves
can result in loss of life, buildings
destroyed, beach and dune erosion
and road and bridge damage along
the coast. Storm surge can travel
several miles inland. In estuaries
and bayous, salt water intrusion
endangers public health and the
environment.

Historical Storm Tide Events

„„1900: Galveston, TX, hurricane, resulted in more than 8,000 deaths, most by storm tide.
„„1969: Hurricane Camille produced a 24-foot storm tide in Mississippi.
„„1989: Hurricane Hugo generated a 20-foot storm tide in South Carolina.
„„1992: Hurricane Iniki produced a 6-foot storm tide on the island of Kauai in Hawaii.
„„2005: Hurricane Katrina generated a 27-foot storm tide in Mississippi.
„„2008: Hurricane Ike produced a 20-foot storm tide in Texas.
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Tornadoes
Hurricanes and tropical storms can also produce
tornadoes. These tornadoes most often occur in
thunderstorms embedded in rain bands well away
from the center of the hurricane; however, they can
also occur near the eyewall. Usually, tornadoes
produced by tropical cyclones are relatively weak and
short-lived, but they still pose a significant threat.
Winds
Hurricane-force winds, 74 mph or more, can destroy
buildings and mobile homes. Debris, such as signs,
roofing material, siding and small items left outside
become flying missiles during hurricanes. Winds can
stay above hurricane strength well inland. In 2004,
Hurricane Charley made landfall at Punta Gorda on
the southwest Florida coast and produced major
damage well inland across central Florida with gusts
of more than 100 mph.
Hurricane Ivan flooding, Asheville, NC, September 2004
/Leif Skoogfors, FEMA
Rainfall
Tropical cyclones often produce widespread, torrential
rains in excess of 6 inches, which may result in deadly
and destructive floods. In fact, flooding is the major
threat from tropical cyclones for people living inland.
Flash flooding, defined as a rapid rise in water levels,
can occur quickly due to intense rainfall. Longer term
flooding on rivers and streams can persist for several
days after the storm.
Hurricane Frances tornado damage, Sumter County, SC,
September 2004/Marvin Mauman, FEMA
Rainfall amounts are not directly related to the
strength of tropical cyclones but rather to the speed
and size of the storm, as well as the geography of the
area. Slower moving and larger storms produce more
rainfall. In addition, mountainous terrain enhances
rainfall from a tropical cyclone.
Rip Currents
The strong winds of a tropical cyclone can cause
dangerous waves that pose a significant hazard to
mariners and coastal residents and visitors. When the
waves break along the coast, they can produce deadly
rip currents—even at large distances from the storm.
Rip currents are channeled currents of water flowing
away from shore, usually extending past the line of
breaking waves, that can pull even the strongest
swimmers away from shore.
In 2008, despite the fact that Hurricane Bertha was
more than a 1,000 miles offshore, the storm resulted
in rip currents that killed three people along the New
Jersey coast and required 1,500 lifeguard rescues in
Ocean City, Maryland, over a 1 week period.
In 2009, all six deaths in the United States directly
attributable to tropical cyclones occurred as the result
of drowning from large waves or strong rip currents.
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 Tropical Cyclone Graphical Products
To convey analysis and forecast information on tropical cyclones, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and the
Central Pacific Hurricane Center (CPHC) produce graphics that provide important information for those who
rely on tropical cyclone forecasts. Weather forecasting isn’t an exact science. Many of these graphics have
been designed to address the inherent uncertainties in tropical cyclone forecasts.
Track Forecast Cone and Watches/Warnings
Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook
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Track Forecast Cone
and Watches/Warning
This graphic shows coastal areas under a
hurricane warning (red), hurricane watch
(pink), tropical storm warning (blue), and a
tropical storm watch (yellow). The orange
circle denotes the current position of the
tropical cyclone. The black dots indicate the
forecast positions and cyclone classification
over the next 5 days.
Forecast errors and uncertainty of the future
tropical cyclone center location are accounted
for by the track forecast cone. The solid white
area denotes the uncertainty for days 1-3.
The white stippled area shows the uncertainty
for days 4 and 5. On average, the center of
the tropical cyclone will remain inside the
cone 60%–70% of the time. It is important to
remember that a tropical cyclone is not a point
and that the associated hazards can extend
well outside of the track forecast cone.
Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook
This graphic highlights areas of disturbed
weather in the tropics and subtropics and
assesses the potential for these systems
to become tropical cyclones over the next
48 hours. Each disturbance is circled and
numbered with an accompanying text
description. You also can view the text
description by moving your mouse over the
circled area. The color of the circles reflect
the probability that the system will become a
tropical cyclone over the next 48 hours:
„„Yellow: low chance, <30%
„„Orange: medium chance, 30%–50%
„„Red: high chance, >50%
Active tropical cyclones are depicted on the
graphic as an “L” for tropical depressions, a
tropical storm symbol, or a hurricane symbol.
Tropical Cyclone Surface
Wind Speed Probabilities
This graphic indicates the chance
of locations experiencing at least
tropical storm (39 mph or greater)
sustained winds over the following
5 days. The graphic is also
available at thresholds of 58 mph
and 74 mph (hurricane force)
sustained winds. The product is
unique in that it takes into account
uncertainty in the track, peak winds
and size of the storm.

This graphic also highlights the

fact that tropical cyclone winds can
extend well away from the storm’s
center. It is important to realize that
probabilities that seem relatively
low may still be quite significant.
For example, if a location has
Tropical Cyclone Surface Wind Speed Probabilities
a 10% chance of experiencing
hurricane force sustained winds,
you should prepare for an extreme
event. A 1 in 10 chance is too high
to ignore.

Tropical Cyclone Storm

Surge Probabilities
Like surface wind speed probability
products, storm surge probability
products show the percentage
chance of storm surge exceeding
various thresholds. The thresholds
are available at 1-foot intervals from
a minimum of 2 feet to a maximum
of 25 feet.

The graphic shows the chance

that locations along the Texas and
Louisiana coasts would experience
a storm surge of at least 8 feet from
Hurricane Ike based on the forecast
issued at 11 AM EDT on September
12, 2008. The graphic is created
from many simulations of the NWS
storm surge computer model, and
accounts for uncertainty in track, Tropical Cyclone Storm Surge Probabilities
intensity and size.
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Ways to Stay Informed
NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards
The National Weather Service (NWS) continuously broadcasts warning,
watches, forecasts and non-weather related hazard information on
NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR). The average range of the
1000+ NWR transmitters is 40 miles, depending on topography. For the best
performing NWR receivers, NWS suggests you look at devices certified to
Public Alert™ standards.

These radios meet specific technical standards and come with many features
such as Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME), a battery backup, both
audio and visual alarms, selective programming for the types of hazards you
want to be warned for, and the ability to activate external alarm devices for
people with disabilities. Similar to a smoke detector, an NWR can wake you up
in the middle of the night to alert you of a dangerous situation.

Current Storm Information Mobile NHC and NWS Information

„„National Weather Service: „„Mobile NHC website in basic HTML:
www.weather.gov www.nhc.noaa.gov/mobile
„„National Hurricane Center: „„Mobile NHC website in WAP format:
www.nhc.noaa.gov www.nhc.noaa.gov/index.wml
„„Central Pacific Hurricane Center: „„Mobile NWS website in basic HTML:
www.prh.noaa.gov/cphc mobile.weather.gov
„„Mobile NWS website in WAP format:
cell.weather.gov
Historical Storm Information
„„National Climatic Data Center:
Other Information
www.ncdc.noaa.gov
„„NOAA Coastal Services Center: „„NHC advisory emails:
www.csc.noaa.gov www.nhc.noaa.gov/signup.shtml
„„CPHC advisory emails:
www.prh.noaa.gov/cphc/pages/signup.php
Emergency/Preparedness Information „„Audio Podcasts:
„„American Red Cross: www.nhc.noaa.gov/audio/index.shtml
www.redcross.org „„Geographic Information System Data:
„„FEMA: www.nhc.noaa.gov/gis/
www.fema.gov „„NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards:
www.weather.gov/nwr
„„Hurricane Tracking Charts:
www.weather.gov/os/hurricane/

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What To Listen For
„„HURRICANE/TROPICAL STORM WATCH: Hurricane/tropical storm conditions are possible in the
specified area of the watch, usually within 48 hours of the onset of tropical storm force winds. During
a Watch, prepare your home and review your plan for evacuation in case a Hurricane/Tropical Storm
Warning is issued. Listen closely to instructions from local officials.

„„HURRICANE/TROPICAL STORM WARNING: Hurricane/tropical storm conditions are expected in

the specified area of the Warning, usually within 36 hours of the onset of tropical storm force winds.
Complete storm preparations and immediately leave the threatened area if directed by local officials.

„„EXTREME WIND WARNING: Extreme sustained winds of a major hurricane (115 mph or greater),
usually associated with the eyewall, are expected to begin within an hour. Take immediate shelter in
the interior portion of a well-built structure.

„„Additional Watches and Warnings are issued to provide detailed information on specific threats such
as floods and tornadoes. Local National Weather Service offices issue Flash Flood/Flood Watches and
Warnings as well as Tornado Warnings.

National Hurricane Center and Central Local NWS Office

Pacific Hurricane Center Products Products
PUBLIC ADVISORIES offer critical hurricane HURRICANE LOCAL STATEMENTS
watch, warning and forecast information. give greater detail on how the storm will impact
your area.
FORECASTS/ADVISORIES provide detailed
hurricane track and wind field information. NON-PRECIPITATION WEATHER
PRODUCTS provide High Wind Watches and
PROBABILITIES OF HURRICANE/TROPICAL Warnings for inland areas that could experience
STORM CONDITIONS offer locally specific strong winds.
chances of experiencing tropical storm, strong
tropical storm and hurricane force winds out to
5 days to better know if one will be impacted and
when these conditions may occur.

Use all of the above information to make an informed decision on your risk and what actions to take.
Listen to recommendations of local officials on TV, radio and other media and to NOAA Weather Radio
All Hazards for the latest tropical cyclone information.

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Are You Ready?
Before the Hurricane Season
99 Determine safe evacuation routes inland.
99 Learn locations of official shelters.
99 Check emergency equipment, such as
flashlights, generators and battery-powered
equipment such as cell phones and your
NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards receiver.
99 Buy food that will keep and store drinking water.
99 Buy plywood or other material to protect your
home if you don’t already have it.
99 Trim trees and shrubbery so branches don’t
fly into your home.
99 Clear clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
99 Decide where to move your boat.
99 Review your insurance policy.
99 Find pet-friendly hotels on your evacuation route. FEMA

During the Storm

When in a Watch Area…
99 Frequently listen to radio, TV or NOAA Weather
Radio All Hazards for official bulletins of the
storm’s progress.
99 Fuel and service family vehicles.
99 Inspect and secure mobile home tie downs.
99 Ensure you have extra cash on hand.
99 Prepare to cover all windows and doors with
shutters or other shielding materials.
99 Check batteries and stock up on canned food,
first aid supplies, drinking water and medications.
99 Bring in light-weight objects such as garbage
cans, garden tools, toys and lawn furniture.
Plan to Leave if You...
99 Live in a mobile home. They are unsafe in high
winds no matter how well fastened to the ground.
99 Live on the coastline, an offshore island or near a
river or a flood plain.
99 Live in a high rise building. Hurricane winds are
stronger at higher elevations.
When in a Warning Area…
99 Closely monitor radio, TV or NOAA Weather
Radio All Hazards for official bulletins.
99 Close storm shutters.
99 Follow instructions issued by local officials. Leave
immediately if ordered!
99 Stay with friends or relatives at a low-rise inland
hotel or at a designated public shelter outside the
flood zone.
99 DO NOT stay in a mobile or manufactured home.
99 Notify neighbors and a family member outside of
the warned area of your evacuation plans.
99 Take pets with you if possible, but remember,
most public shelters do not allow pets other than
those used by used by people with disabilities.
Identify pet-friendly hotels along your evacuation
route.

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If Staying in a Home... What to Bring to a Shelter
99 Turn refrigerator to maximum cold and keep
it closed. What to Bring to a Shelter
99 Turn off utilities if told to do so by authorities.
99 Turn off propane tanks. „„First-aid kit
99 Unplug small appliances. „„Medicine, prescriptions
99 Fill bathtub and large containers with water in „„Baby food and diapers
case clean tap water is unavailable. Use water in „„Games, books, music players with headphones
bathtubs for cleaning and flushing only. Do NOT „„Toiletries
drink it. „„Battery-powered radio and cell phone
„„Flashlights
„„Extra batteries
If Winds Become Strong... „„A blanket or sleeping bag for each person
99 Stay away from windows and doors, even if they „„Identification
are covered. Take refuge in a small interior room, „„Copies of key papers such as insurance policies
closet or hallway. „„Cash, credit card
99 Close all interior doors. Secure and brace
external doors. REMINDER: If you are told to leave
99 If you are in a two-story house, go to an interior
first floor room. your home, do so immediately!
99 If you are in a multi-story building and away from
water, go to the 1st or 2nd floor and stay in the
halls or other interior rooms away from windows.
99 Lie on the floor under a table or other
sturdy object.
After the Storm
99 Keep listening to radio, TV or NOAA Weather
Radio All Hazards.
99 Wait until an area is declared safe before
Be Alert For... entering.
99 Tornadoes­—they are often spawned by
99 Watch for closed roads. If you come upon a
hurricanes.
barricade or a flooded road, Turn Around
99 The calm “eye” of the storm—it may seem like
Don’t Drown!TM
the storm is over, but after the eye passes, the
99 Stay on firm, dry ground. Moving water only
winds will change direction and quickly return to
6 inches deep can sweep you off your feet.
hurricane force.
Standing water may be electrically charged from
power lines.
99 If using a generator, avoid carbon monoxide
poisoning by following the manufacturer’s
instructions.
99 Avoid weakened bridges and washed out roads.
99 Once home, check gas, water and electrical and
appliances for damage.
99 Use a flashlight to inspect damage. Never use
candles and other open flames indoors.
99 Wear proper shoes to prevent cutting feet on
sharp debris.
99 Do not drink or prepare food with tap water until
officials say it is safe.
99 Avoid electrocution by not walking in areas with
American Red Cross downed power lines.

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Family Emergency Plan
Everyone needs to be prepared for the unexpected. You, as well as your family and friends, will most
likely not be together when disaster strikes. How will you find each other? Will you know if your children or
parents are safe? You may have to evacuate or be confined to your home. What will you do if water, gas,
electricity or phone services are shut off?

Steps to Take

I Gather information about hazards. Contact your local National Weather Service office, emergency
management office and American Red Cross chapter. Find out what type of emergencies could occur and
how you should respond. Learn your community’s warning signals and evacuation plans. Assess your
risks and identify ways to make your home and property more secure.

II Meet with your family to create an emergency plan. Pick two places to meet: a spot outside your
home for an emergency, such as fire, and a place away from your neighborhood in case you can’t return
home. Choose an out of state friend as your family’s point of contact for everyone to call if the family gets
separated. Discuss what you would do if advised to evacuate.

III Implement your plan.

1. Post emergency telephone numbers by the phone.
2. Install safety features in your house, such as smoke alarms and fire extinguishers.
3. Inspect your home for items that can move, fall, break or catch fire and correct them.
4. Have your family learn basic safety measures, such as CPR and first aid, how to use a fire
extinguisher, and how and when to turn off water, gas and electricity in your home.
5. Teach children how and when to call 911 or your local emergency number.
6. Keep enough supplies in your home for at least 3 days. Assemble an emergency supplies kit. Store
these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers, such as backpacks or duffle bags. Keep important
documents in a waterproof container. Keep a smaller emergency supplies kit in the trunk of your car.

An Emergency Supplies Kit Should Include:

99 At least a 3-day supply of water
(one gallon per person,
per day)
99 At least a 3-day supply of
non-perishable food
99 At least, one change of clothing
and shoes per person
99 One blanket or sleeping
bag per person
99 First-aid kit
99 Battery-powered NWR
and a portable radio
99 Emergency tools
99 Flashlight, extra batteries
99 Extra set of car keys
99 Credit card and cash
99 Special items for infant, elderly or
disabled family members
99 Prescription and non-prescription
medicines

IV Practice and maintain your plan. Ensure your family knows meeting places, phone numbers and safety
rules. Conduct drills. Test your smoke detectors and NWR monthly and change the batteries at least once
each year. Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer’s instructions. Replace
stored water and food every 6 months.

Safety and preparedness material is online at:

Federal Emergency Management Agency: www.ready.gov
American Red Cross: www.redcross.org
NOAA National Weather Service: www.weather.gov/safety.php
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